Jungjong of Joseon

Yi Yeok was the eighth surviving son of King Seongjong, born 25 April 1488 into a line where the throne should never have reached him. His eldest half-brother ruled as Yeonsangun, and ruled badly enough that "tyrannical" became the administrative term. When Yeonsangun was deposed, Yi Yeok became Jungjong, the 11th monarch of Joseon — a second son's second son handed a kingdom in disarray. He reigned until 9 December 1544, a long stretch spent steadying what his predecessor had broken.